Publisher's Summary

The author narrates and dramatizes this audio version of her illustrated book, using music and sound effects to heighten the experience. The characters really come alive! Listen while you read along, or just listen and enjoy! Set in the present, this richly illustrated magical realism novel is a coming of age tale in the digital age. Harnessing the power of creativity in words, stories, music, and art the heroine, a 12- year- old girl named Jean, learns important life lessons after her grandmother dies.

Growing up in this fast-paced era of the Internet and technology has particular challenges, especially for girls. Women have come so far, yet where are they? Is there any time to look back? Have we thrown out the baby with the bathwater? In the novel, the heroine Jean unwittingly stumbles into the alluring web of tradition while trying to hang on to the last threads of childhood and cope with her feelings after the unexpected death of her beloved grandmother. With guidance from mythological and imaginary female characters, with support from her parents, her teacher, her aunt and uncle, and from books and the Internet Jean gradually pieces together her understanding of what is means to be female. She learns skills in the fiber arts, gains confidence and discovers key stories from the past told from a new point of view. Alone in her room, she encounters Dust Bunnies representing the Three Fates, a few special goddesses in animal form, plus folk, fairytale and biblical heroines, including Grandmother Spider, Isis, Brigit, Athena, Rachel and Psyche. She liberates Arachne, the mortal condemned by Athena to the life of a spider, hidden and feared.

Over time Jean sees that she is part of the evolving family of women on earth stretching back centuries through many cultural traditions. Jean learns about caring, questioning, expressing her deepest concerns, listening to others and appreciating the wonders and mysteries of nature and of language. She finds inner beauty and strength, and earns respect. By the end of the story, Jean has gained in wisdom and maturity, feels good about herself and hopeful for her future.

Splendid! A must read!

What did you love best about The Moon in the Morning?

This is my first review of an audio book. I felt like I received five wonderful books for the price of just one! The Moon in the Morning has such depth and complexity in its story line of a young girl of twelve named Jean coming of age. Weaving in reality and metaphorically are a talent of the author because she weaves the story through five books and uses her knowledge of wool and fibers as and integral part of the story. I enjoyed the character Heather as she gives Jean her spinning lesson toward the end of book three. I felt I got a whole history of spinning wool and spinning wheels. Jean researches spinning wheels on her computer and "finds a picture of Gandhi with a spinning wheel". The author weaves goddesses and biblical women such as Isis, Athena and Brigit as well as Rachel, Leah, and Rebecca into the story seamlessly. This is an inspiring woman's story, one of discovering the wonders transitioning from girl to woman. You won't want this book if you want violence or war, but if you are looking for a spiritual and philosophical discussion of goodness in the world, I highly recommend The Moon in the Morning: a Fairytale with a New Twist. Its tender words are brought to life by Ms. Nebesar who engages the listener with her narration and perfect vocal variety. Listening to this book inspired me to download the Kindle version and follow along with the audio. What a rich reward awaits the listener/reader. Additionally, the use of background sound effects and music enhance the listening experience.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Moon in the Morning?

The day Jean turns 13. The birthday celebration is precious.

Which scene was your favorite?

The anthropomorphism of dust bunnies in the first book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It created in me a calm. I enjoyed the pace of the story. I also was reminded of how I enjoy NPR collective shorts, this book could be on air the way it is presented by the author.

Any additional comments?

It's a lengthy audible book, 7 hours. so I think it's good to listen to a book at a time. I could have easily seen this as a trilogy instead of one book. Kudos to Ms. Nebesar for bringing this novel to life, she writes intelligently and has researched her subject matter very thoroughly.

The Author Speaks

Any additional comments?

This audio version of the book brings the novel to life in ways that the printed or electronic page cannot. For example, when the main character Jean's grandmother composed a lullaby, in the audio version the music is actually heard. All the characters have distinctive voices. Listening to the book sparks the imagination better than the reading experience. The Kindle version is available on Amazon and has received very favorable reviews.

Don't bother

What would have made The Moon in the Morning better?

I have never submitted a review before but I was so disappointed in this purchase that I thought I should save someone else from wasting their money/credits. This was a waste of my credits. The narration is terrible and plain annoying and the story is awful. At best this should be in the kids section and even then I am not sure kids would be able to understand what is happening in the story because the narration is so bad. High pitched and screechy...like nails on a chalkboard.

What was most disappointing about Rebecca Nebesar’s story?

The narration and poor story line

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Rebecca Nebesar?

Anyone

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?